Removal of low density lipoprotein from blood plasma using cross-linked, sulfated polyvinylalcohol.

The properties of a new synthetic LDL binding material, consisting of fragments of loosely crosslinked hydrogel, based on sulfated polyvinylalcohol are described. When incubated with 20 times its volume of plasma, this material binds up to 95% of the LDL, even from plasma with severely elevated LDL cholesterol levels (up to 20 mM). In addition a cholesterol-rich subfraction of VLDL is bound but HDL is not bound. After about 10 min binder/plasma contact the LDL removal is complete and no other additives are required. LDL binding capacity is dependent on the average binder particle size, indicating a restricted penetration of LDL particles into the binder matrix.